Your Guide to EPCOT’s 2026 Food & Wine Festival!

(all photos in this blog post are sourced from Disney Parks Blog)

If you love trying new foods, discovering global flavors, and enjoying a little Disney entertainment along the way, there’s no better time to visit EPCOT than during the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Returning in 2026 from August 27 through November 21, this popular festival transforms EPCOT into a culinary adventure spanning six continents—and it’s included with valid EPCOT admission.

Whether you’re a foodie who plans your entire day around the Global Marketplaces or you simply want to sample a few festival-exclusive treats between attractions, here’s everything you need to know before your 2026 visit!

Eat Your Way Around the World

The heart of the festival is the Global Marketplaces, where temporary food and beverage kiosks pop up throughout EPCOT. These marketplaces offer small portions inspired by cuisines and cultures from around the world, making it easy to turn your day at EPCOT into your own tasting tour.

In 2026, you'll find returning favorites and plenty of tempting options across World Showcase and beyond, including marketplaces inspired by Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Greece, Hawai'i, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and Morocco, among others. There are also specialty locations featuring everything from cheese and fries to seafood and fall-inspired flavors.

The smaller portions are one of the best parts of the festival because you don't have to commit to a full meal at every stop. Grab a few dishes, share them with your group, and keep moving!

Don't Miss the Festival Challenges

If you want to turn your food tasting into a game, EPCOT has a few fun ways to do exactly that.

Emile's Fromage Montage invites guests to complete a flavorful cheese-focused quest by purchasing select cheese dishes throughout the festival. Once you've completed the challenge, you can redeem your completed passport for a sweet reward.

There's also Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak, a scavenger hunt that sends you searching around EPCOT for hidden Remy figures. It's a fun way to explore the park while giving kids another activity to enjoy between food stops.

And for a limited time this fall, Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit returns from September 25 through November 2, giving guests another festive scavenger hunt with a spooky-season twist.

Eat, Then Enjoy the Beat

Food isn't the only star of the festival. The Eat to the Beat Concert Series, presented by Enterprise, brings live music to the America Gardens Theatre throughout the festival.

In 2026, concerts are scheduled nightly from August 27 through November 16, with performances at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM. The lineup includes a mix of returning favorites, local performers, and new artists joining the festival for the first time.

See the full Eat to the Beat Concert Series lineup here: https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/eat-to-the-beat-lineup-full-concert-schedule/

If there's an artist you absolutely don't want to miss, check the schedule when planning your EPCOT day.

For an even easier experience, consider an Eat to the Beat Dining Package. These packages combine a meal at a participating EPCOT restaurant with guaranteed seating at that day's concert. Participating restaurants include locations such as Biergarten, Chefs de France, Coral Reef, Le Cellier, Rose & Crown, Spice Road Table, Teppan Edo, Tutto Italia, and Via Napoli.

There's More Than Food & Music

The festival has plenty of activities for guests who aren't solely focused on eating.

From September 18 through November 8, guests can explore Cheers to Cheese!, an interactive exhibit at CommuniCore Hall that dives into the history and fun facts behind one of everyone's favorite foods. Jammin' Chefs also bring musical energy to the festival with a fun performance featuring pots, pans, and plenty of kitchen-inspired beats.

And don't forget about the merchandise! The 2026 festival collection includes apparel, headwear, kitchen essentials, trading pins, and more. Festival-themed mini Disney Gift Cards are also available, making it easy to set aside a specific amount for your food and shopping adventures.

Our Tips for Making the Most of Food & Wine

With so many choices, a little strategy can make your festival day much more enjoyable.

Don't try everything in one day. Seriously! There are too many delicious options to sample them all without feeling completely stuffed. Instead, pick a handful of must-try dishes and leave room for spontaneous finds.

Visit earlier in the day. The Global Marketplaces can become increasingly busy as the afternoon and evening go on. Starting your tasting adventure earlier can mean shorter waits.

Share! Festival portions are perfect for splitting with your travel party. Sharing lets everyone try more dishes without filling up too quickly.

And finally, check the festival menus before your trip. Menus, offerings, pricing, and hours can change, so having an idea of what you want to try can help you make the most of your time.

Let People Mover Travel Help Plan Your Foodie Getaway

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is one of our favorite times to visit Walt Disney World, but with so many festival offerings, dining experiences, entertainment, and attractions to fit into one trip, having a plan can make all the difference.

Our team can help you choose your travel dates, find the right Disney Resort hotel, plan your EPCOT day, and navigate the dining options so you can spend less time stressing over the details and more time enjoying the food, fun, and magic.

Ready to eat your way around the world? Reach out to your People Mover Travel agent and let's start planning your 2026 Walt Disney World vacation! 🌍🍷✨